Medieval Castles in Great Britain – Best Castle Vacations

The castles of Great Britain and Ireland are timeless relics of a proud heritage. From flamboyant Georgian structures to neo-gothic Victorian designs, famous medieval castles continue attracting history lovers and romantics worldwide. Castle vacations are in vogue and can be a romantic escape. There are plenty of castles to stay in in Scotland, England and Wales.

Castles for the rich and famous

Castles have long been a magnet for the rich and famous. Bond actor David Beckham married former Spice Girl Victoria in a wedding fit for royalty with red velvet thrones and royal trumpeters to greet guests at Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin.

Elizabeth Hurley and Indian businessman Arun Nayar tied the knot in medieval Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds.

Paul McCartney married Heather Mills at St. Salvator’s Church on the grounds of Castle Leslie, a 17th-century castle that is now a 14-room luxury hotel near the Northern Irish border.

Stay in a castle

Some medieval castles now lie in ruins but many castles have been lovingly restored and reincarnated as luxurious hotels and castle resorts where ordinary travellers can experience a stay in a castle, living like a king or queen.

A castle vacation is a chance to experience what it’s like to live like royalty. Look inside these castles and you’ll be transported to a different era. Here are our picks of the most famous castle resorts in Great Britain.

Best castles in England

1- Amberley Castle, West Sussex, England

Only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from London is the 900-year-old Amberley Castle.

The castle’s medieval atmosphere comes complete with suits of armour, tapestries, crossbows and arched stone castle doorways.

Built in the 12th century as a hunting lodge for the Bishop of Chichester, the castle has been enjoyed by both Queen Elizabeths I and II.

The luxurious bedrooms and suites have four-poster beds, rich wall hangings, antique decorations and modern additions like en-suite jacuzzi bathrooms and TVs.

Guests can while away the time playing tennis or croquet.

The most romantic spot is the enchanting rose gardens with resident peacocks hidden behind the castle’s soaring stone walls.

Book your stay at Amberley Castle here

2- Thornbury Castle, South Gloucestershire, England

Of the many medieval castle’s interior, this one has a historic charm. King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once slept in the Duke’s Bedchamber.

Although the royal couple would have been familiar with four-poster beds, stone walls, roaring fires and ornately carved ceilings, they might have been amazed at the well-appointed bathrooms and colour TVs.

This 16th-century castle is the only Tudor castle in England to operate as a hotel and has the oldest Tudor gardens in England.

Croquet, archery, clay-pigeon shooting and falconry are available on the castle grounds, while fishing, quad biking and other activities can be arranged nearby.

The menu changes daily and offers internationally-inspired British cuisine prepared with herbs and vegetables grown on the premises.

Book your stay at Thornbury Castle here

3- Leasowe Castle Hotel 

Leasowe Castle Hotel (Moreton, UK) – Leasowe Castle Hotel was built in 1592 and has been converted into a 4-star hotel with en-suite rooms, a modern bar and has lovely gardens. Portcullis Restaurant’s specialty is English and French cuisine.

4- Bickleigh Castle

Bickleigh Castle (Tiverton, UK) – A 14th-century castle surrounded by lush gardens in charming Devon.

5- Camelot Castle Hotel

Camelot Castle Hotel (Tintagel, UK) – Take a step back into history in Cornwall while staying at this castle hotel.

6- Tawstock Castle

Tawstock Castle (Devon, UK) – Fancy a self-catered holiday castle in Devon? Book your next family holiday at Tawstock Castle.

7- Tregenna Castle Resort

Tregenna Castle Resort (St Ives, UK) – Escape to the Cornish coast and live like royalty in a room or an apartment by the sea.

8- Pentillie Castle Estate

Pentillie Castle Estate (Saltash, UK) – Located on the Tamar river, this is a family operated castle in a popular golfing region.

9- Ryde Castle

Ryde Castle (Ryde, UK) – Victorian charm by the sea

Best castles in Scotland

10- Inverlochy Castle, Scotland

Queen Victoria, who spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting in 1873, wrote in her diaries ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’.

Inverlochy Castle was built in 1863 near the site of the original 13th-century medieval fortress and was a private residence until 1969 when it was converted into a hotel.

Share the breathtaking views of Ben Nevis and the Scottish highlands with a celebrity or two.

Past visitors include Robert Redford, Sean Connery, Elton John and Mel Gibson. Dine like a visiting royal in one of the three dining rooms elaborately decorated with furniture presented by the King of Norway.

While staying at Inverlochy, take is 1.5-hour drive to Inverness (see this guide to Inverness), where Inverness Castle that sits grandly overlooking the city.

Book your stay at Inverlochy Castle here

11- Gelngorn Castle

Glengorm Castle (Tobermory, UK) – A 19th-century castle with fireplaces and four-poster beds. Live like a lord in this super B&B.

12- Mansfield Castle

Mansfield Castle (Tain, UK) – Experience the magic of a Scottish Highlands castle in an 1870’s castle in the historic town of Tain.

Castles in Wales

13- Ruthin Castle Hotel

Looking for more things to see in England, Ireland and Scotland? Check out these: